The conservative nonprofit American Family Association, through its “One Million Moms” website, has focused their outrage at Archie Comics over an issue of “Life With Archie” featuring same-sex marriage. Specifically, they have objected to the comic being sold at Toys R. Us, stating on their site, “Unfortunately, children are now being exposed to same-sex marriage in a toy store. This is the last place a parent would expect to be confronted with questions from their children on topics that are too complicated for them to understand.”

Life With Archie #16 features openly-gay character Kevin Keller -- whose own ongoing comic book series recently debuted -- getting married. While there have been select rumblings here and there on the Internet fringe regarding Keller, this is the most high-profile media attack upon the popular Archie Comics character to date. But the publisher is staunchly standing by Keller and the Life With Archie issue in question. In a statement given to Comic Book Resources, Archie CEO Jon Goldwater said:

“We stand by Life with Archie #16. As I’ve said before, Riverdale is a safe, welcoming place that does not judge anyone. It’s an idealized version of America that will hopefully become reality someday.

“We’re sorry the American Family Association/OneMillionMoms.com feels so negatively about our product, but they have every right to their opinion, just like we have the right to stand by ours. Kevin Keller will forever be a part of Riverdale, and he will live a happy, long life free of prejudice, hate and narrow-minded people.”

The American Family Association made headlines recently when they targeted JC Penney for their selection of Ellen DeGeneres as spokeswoman. Comic creators and fans on Twitter suggested supporting Kevin Keller by going into a Toys R Us and buying Archie comics.